How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
This guide is for replacing interconnect cables on a Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (SM-G996B/DS international model). Note that other models may have an additional antenna cable in the midframe edge.
- Failure to replace adhesive seals during reassembly will compromise water protection, although device functionality remains intact.
Do not forget to purchase replacement adhesive for reattaching components during reassembly.
Step 1 | Heat the back cover
Prepare an iOpener by applying it to the back cover for at least three minutes.
- The adhesive underneath should loosen.
Avoid overheating the phone, as the display and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.
You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Step 2 | Insert an opening pick
Secure a suction handle to the bottom edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.
- If the back cover is cracked, try lifting it with strong tape, or superglue the suction handle in place and allow it to cure.
- Lift the back cover with the suction handle to create a small gap between the back cover and the frame.
- If you have trouble creating a gap, apply more heat, following the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
Insert an opening pick into the gap you created, then slide it to the bottom left corner to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 3 | Slice the adhesive
Insert a second opening pick at the bottom edge of your phone.
- Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner to slice the adhesive.
- Leave the opening picks in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 4 | Slice the adhesive
Adhesive may become hard to cut when cooled down.
- Reheat the adhesive with an iOpener for 2-3 minutes.
- Insert a third opening pick at the bottom right corner of your phone.
- Slide the opening pick along the right edge to slice the adhesive.
- Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent resealing.
Step 5
When slicing near the camera assembly, insert only the tip (~4-5 mm) of the opening pick to avoid damaging or smearing the camera.
- Insert a fourth opening pick underneath the top right corner of your phone.
- Slide the opening pick along the top edge to slice the adhesive.
- Leave the opening pick in the top left corner to prevent resealing.
Step 6
Insert a fifth opening pick under the bottom left corner.
- Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the back cover, slicing remaining adhesive.
- When near the power button, use only tip (~3-4 mm) to avoid damaging the power and volume button flex cable.
Step 7 | Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
Power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Completely power down your phone before continuing.
- Remove any adhesive chunks with a pair of tweezers or your fingers.
- Wipe away any adhesive residue using high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol.
If using Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow the associated guide. If using double-sided tape, follow the associated guide.
Step 8 | Slice the adhesive
Puncturing or bending the battery can cause leaks or thermal events.
- Be cautious of the cable beneath the charging coil while working.
- If the pick catches on the cable, stop and work slowly to avoid damage.
- Insert an opening pick under the left bottom end of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.
- Slide the pick along the bottom left edge of the assembly to separate it from the battery.
Step 9
Insert a pick under the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly's bottom edge.
- Slide the pick along the bottom of the assembly, separating it from the loudspeaker.
Step 10 | Disconnect the charging coil
Disconnect the charging coil using a spudger, prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 11 | Disconnect the NFC antenna
Disconnect the NFC antenna connector using a spudger, prying it straight up from its socket.
Step 12 | Unfasten the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly screws
Remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly using a Phillips screwdriver.
- There are five screws, each measuring 3.9 mm long.
Step 13 | Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly
Remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly using either a pair of tweezers or your fingers.
Step 14 | Disconnect the battery cable
Disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up with a spudger.
Step 15 | Unfasten the loudspeaker assembly screws
Remove the six 3.9mm screws using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 16 | Pry up the loudspeaker assembly
Insert a prying pick into the gap between the speaker's top edge and the midframe.
- Pry up the speaker assembly downward using the prying pick.
Step 17 | Remove the loudspeaker assembly
Remove the loudspeaker assembly.
- Clean affected areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and remove any debris.
- Apply new adhesive as needed during reassembly.
Step 18 | Disconnect the main & interconnect flex cables
Disconnect the main and interconnect flex cables from the motherboard.
- Pry the upper connectors straight up using a spudger.
Step 19 | Remove the main flex cable
Use a spudger to pry the main flex cable's bottom connector straight up from its socket on the daughterboard.
- For cable removal, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers.
Step 20 | Remove the interconnect flex cable
- Disconnect the interconnect flex cable's bottom connector from the daughterboard using a spudger.
- Carefully lift out the interconnect flex cable with your fingers or a pair of tweezers.